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Papers by Joseph Jordania
Frontiers in Psychology, Jan 15, 2024
Joseph Jordania: Essays on Evolution of Music, Future of Education, Human Morphology and Behavior, 2024
This is a collection of several of my most important articles on very different topics published ... more This is a collection of several of my most important articles on very different topics published between 2006 and 2024. You might know some of these articles but some might be new.
The article draws attention to a neglected key element of human evolutionary history-the defense ... more The article draws attention to a neglected key element of human evolutionary history-the defense strategies of hominins and early humans against predators. Possible reasons for this neglect are discussed, and the historical development of this field is outlined. Many human morphological and behavioral characteristicsmusicality, sense of rhythm, use of dissonances, entrainment, bipedalism, long head hair, long legs, strong body odor, armpit hair, traditions of body painting and cannibalism-are explained as predator avoidance tactics of an aposematic (warning display) defense strategy. The article argues that the origins of human musical faculties should be studied in the wider context of an early, multimodal human defense strategy from predators.
Oxford Music Online, 2001
Oxford University Press eBooks, 2001
Academia letters, Sep 29, 2021
Academia letters, Dec 28, 2020
The article discusses the neglected issue of profound differences of the life and survival on ar... more The article discusses the neglected issue of profound differences of the life and survival on arboreal and terrestrial lifestyles.
Oxford University Press eBooks, 2001
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jun 26, 2023
Mainstream education systems are largely heavily based on checking students' knowledge by asking ... more Mainstream education systems are largely heavily based on checking students' knowledge by asking them questions and checking their answers. This is the complete reversal of the natural way of developing children's brains from early age-through asking questions themselves. This article discusses the evolutionary importance of the ability of asking questions for human intelligence and its potential for creating a new strategy of education, based on encouraging students' natural curiosity, and encouraging their natural ability to search for knowledge. The article proposes that the most natural way to develop young human brains is through asking questions to adults from a very young age, the strategy developed and honed during the evolution of Homo sapiens through natural selection. The article concludes with some concrete classroom strategies and play suggestions that can be used to encourage young learners to ask questions freely in both child-centered education (CCE) and more traditional teacher-centered education models.
Oxford University Press eBooks, 2001
Oxford University Press eBooks, 2001
Charles Darwin and Jim Corbett: Parallel Biographies, 2023
In this double biography Jordania (from Melbourne University) follows often neglected details of ... more In this double biography Jordania (from Melbourne University) follows often neglected details of the biographies of his role models, tries to find elusive clues to their characters and the mysterious health problems apparent from their writings. As a result, this small book gives a unique glimpse in the multidimensional personalities of Charles Darwin and Jim Corbett, and attempts to combine their fields of expertise to better understand the process of human evolution and the role major predators played in forming our morphology and behaviour.
Oxford University Press eBooks, 2001
Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World, 2017
Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World, 2017
Oxford University Press eBooks, 2001
Nova Science Publishers eBooks, Dec 1, 2010
Sinophone and Taiwan studies, 2021
The central theme of this book -The origins of human choral singing - is discussed in the wide in... more The central theme of this book -The origins of human choral singing - is discussed in the wide interdisciplinary context of the origins of music, evolution of human intelligence, language, speech, distribution of stuttering, dyslexia, and acquisition of phonological system by children from different cultures. Scholars view about the first edition of this book : - SIMHA AROM, CNRS, France : " I totally agree with the main idea of Joseph Jordania about the ancient origins of choral singing and its gradual disappearance. To my opinion also,there is no "evolution" from monophonic to polyphonic singing, and I was glad to see that the argumentation of this idea is so strong and logic" . - STEVEN BROWN, Simon Fraser University,Canada :"Joseph Jordania’s book is a masterpiece of comparative musicology by a person with an amazing knowledge base. As a co-editor of the book “The Origins of Music”(2000),I am thrilled to finally see a true work of comparative musicology appear after many decades of neglect. This is the kind of material that people,from psychology to evolutionary biology, need to ponder as to incorporate music into the emerging picture of human evolution".
Frontiers in Psychology, Jan 15, 2024
Joseph Jordania: Essays on Evolution of Music, Future of Education, Human Morphology and Behavior, 2024
This is a collection of several of my most important articles on very different topics published ... more This is a collection of several of my most important articles on very different topics published between 2006 and 2024. You might know some of these articles but some might be new.
The article draws attention to a neglected key element of human evolutionary history-the defense ... more The article draws attention to a neglected key element of human evolutionary history-the defense strategies of hominins and early humans against predators. Possible reasons for this neglect are discussed, and the historical development of this field is outlined. Many human morphological and behavioral characteristicsmusicality, sense of rhythm, use of dissonances, entrainment, bipedalism, long head hair, long legs, strong body odor, armpit hair, traditions of body painting and cannibalism-are explained as predator avoidance tactics of an aposematic (warning display) defense strategy. The article argues that the origins of human musical faculties should be studied in the wider context of an early, multimodal human defense strategy from predators.
Oxford Music Online, 2001
Oxford University Press eBooks, 2001
Academia letters, Sep 29, 2021
Academia letters, Dec 28, 2020
The article discusses the neglected issue of profound differences of the life and survival on ar... more The article discusses the neglected issue of profound differences of the life and survival on arboreal and terrestrial lifestyles.
Oxford University Press eBooks, 2001
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jun 26, 2023
Mainstream education systems are largely heavily based on checking students' knowledge by asking ... more Mainstream education systems are largely heavily based on checking students' knowledge by asking them questions and checking their answers. This is the complete reversal of the natural way of developing children's brains from early age-through asking questions themselves. This article discusses the evolutionary importance of the ability of asking questions for human intelligence and its potential for creating a new strategy of education, based on encouraging students' natural curiosity, and encouraging their natural ability to search for knowledge. The article proposes that the most natural way to develop young human brains is through asking questions to adults from a very young age, the strategy developed and honed during the evolution of Homo sapiens through natural selection. The article concludes with some concrete classroom strategies and play suggestions that can be used to encourage young learners to ask questions freely in both child-centered education (CCE) and more traditional teacher-centered education models.
Oxford University Press eBooks, 2001
Oxford University Press eBooks, 2001
Charles Darwin and Jim Corbett: Parallel Biographies, 2023
In this double biography Jordania (from Melbourne University) follows often neglected details of ... more In this double biography Jordania (from Melbourne University) follows often neglected details of the biographies of his role models, tries to find elusive clues to their characters and the mysterious health problems apparent from their writings. As a result, this small book gives a unique glimpse in the multidimensional personalities of Charles Darwin and Jim Corbett, and attempts to combine their fields of expertise to better understand the process of human evolution and the role major predators played in forming our morphology and behaviour.
Oxford University Press eBooks, 2001
Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World, 2017
Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World, 2017
Oxford University Press eBooks, 2001
Nova Science Publishers eBooks, Dec 1, 2010
Sinophone and Taiwan studies, 2021
The central theme of this book -The origins of human choral singing - is discussed in the wide in... more The central theme of this book -The origins of human choral singing - is discussed in the wide interdisciplinary context of the origins of music, evolution of human intelligence, language, speech, distribution of stuttering, dyslexia, and acquisition of phonological system by children from different cultures. Scholars view about the first edition of this book : - SIMHA AROM, CNRS, France : " I totally agree with the main idea of Joseph Jordania about the ancient origins of choral singing and its gradual disappearance. To my opinion also,there is no "evolution" from monophonic to polyphonic singing, and I was glad to see that the argumentation of this idea is so strong and logic" . - STEVEN BROWN, Simon Fraser University,Canada :"Joseph Jordania’s book is a masterpiece of comparative musicology by a person with an amazing knowledge base. As a co-editor of the book “The Origins of Music”(2000),I am thrilled to finally see a true work of comparative musicology appear after many decades of neglect. This is the kind of material that people,from psychology to evolutionary biology, need to ponder as to incorporate music into the emerging picture of human evolution".
The Human Story Behind Scientific Discovery, 2020
The book by Joseph Jordania, award-winning ethnomusicologist and evolutionary musicologist from t... more The book by Joseph Jordania, award-winning ethnomusicologist and evolutionary musicologist from the University of Melbourne addresses questions usually neglected in works dedicated to the history of science. How is the existing system of education shaping future scholars? How do the politics of grants and funding science affect scholarly development? Why were some of the brightest figures of scientific progress not academically educated? How do universities influence scientific progress? How does the peer-review process advance or depress scientific discovery? Jordania tackles the thorny issues of scholarly integrity, reputation, and corruption. These topics fundamentally affect the everyday lives of thousands of scholars, both professional and non-professional, and have a profound influence on the advancement of science.
Scholars about the book: “The Human Story Behind Scientific Discovery will be seen as one of the most important books of our time. It’s far-reaching, fascinating, and flawlessly truthful, with a message so unexpected that most readers will experience a tsunami of realization mixed with shock. It will change some of us and redirect others, and once you’ve read it, it will stay with you for life. Its truths cannot be ignored and are impossible to forget.” Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author, The Hidden Life of Dogs and The Hidden Life of Life
“When was the last time you read a book that has a fresh idea or insight on almost every page? Joseph Jordania’s questioning and creative mind is well suited to describing the contributions made by passionate developers of new knowledge who in their time were considered outsiders, or mavericks, if they were considered at all. Jordania’s own unorthodox observations will move the reader to think ‹Hmm, That makes sense!›” Ellen Dissanayake, Author, What Is Art For? and Homo Aestheticus
“A dazzling, inspirational tour de force. Joseph Jordania exceeds his goal of presenting the human dynamics of scientific discovery sketched by Popper, Kuhn, and Feyerabend. Not content to identify the malignant, pervasive barriers to the advancement of science, he provides an insightful, comprehensive guide to overcoming institutionalized resistance that will put heart into aspiring scholars, scientists, and seekers and challenge the gatekeepers and systems that hold back innovation.” Jenny Wade, author, Changes of Mind: A Holonomic Theory of the Evolution of Consciousness and Transcendent Sex: When Lovemaking Opens the Veil
The Human Story Behind Scientific Discovery, 2020
The book by Joseph Jordania, award-winning ethnomusicologist and evolutionary musicologist from t... more The book by Joseph Jordania, award-winning ethnomusicologist and evolutionary musicologist from the University of Melbourne addresses questions usually neglected in works dedicated to the history of science. How is the existing system of education shaping future scholars? How do the politics of grants and funding science affect scholarly development? Why were some of the brightest figures of scientific progress not academically educated? How do universities influence scientific progress? How does the peer-review process advance or depress scientific discovery? Jordania tackles the thorny issues of scholarly integrity, reputation, and corruption. These topics fundamentally affect the everyday lives of thousands of scholars, both professional and non-professional, and have a profound influence on the advancement of science.
Scholars about the book: “The Human Story Behind Scientific Discovery will be seen as one of the most important books of our time. It’s far-reaching, fascinating, and flawlessly truthful, with a message so unexpected that most readers will experience a tsunami of realization mixed with shock. It will change some of us and redirect others, and once you’ve read it, it will stay with you for life. Its truths cannot be ignored and are impossible to forget.” Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author, The Hidden Life of Dogs and The Hidden Life of Life
“When was the last time you read a book that has a fresh idea or insight on almost every page? Joseph Jordania’s questioning and creative mind is well suited to describing the contributions made by passionate developers of new knowledge who in their time were considered outsiders, or mavericks, if they were considered at all. Jordania’s own unorthodox observations will move the reader to think ‹Hmm, That makes sense!›” Ellen Dissanayake, Author, What Is Art For? and Homo Aestheticus
“A dazzling, inspirational tour de force. Joseph Jordania exceeds his goal of presenting the human dynamics of scientific discovery sketched by Popper, Kuhn, and Feyerabend. Not content to identify the malignant, pervasive barriers to the advancement of science, he provides an insightful, comprehensive guide to overcoming institutionalized resistance that will put heart into aspiring scholars, scientists, and seekers and challenge the gatekeepers and systems that hold back innovation.” Jenny Wade, author, Changes of Mind: A Holonomic Theory of the Evolution of Consciousness and Transcendent Sex: When Lovemaking Opens the Veil
The Human Story behind Scientific Discovery, 2020
The book by Joseph Jordania, award-winning ethnomusicologist and evolutionary musicologist from t... more The book by Joseph Jordania, award-winning ethnomusicologist and evolutionary musicologist from the University of Melbourne addresses questions usually neglected in works dedicated to the history of science. How is the existing system of education shaping future scholars? How do the politics of grants and funding science affect scholarly development? Why were some of the brightest figures of scientific progress not academically educated? How do universities influence scientific progress? How does the peer-review process advance or depress scientific discovery? Jordania tackles the thorny issues of scholarly integrity, reputation, and corruption. These topics fundamentally affect the everyday lives of thousands of scholars, both professional and non-professional, and have a profound influence on the advancement of science.
Scholars about the book: “The Human Story Behind Scientific Discovery will be seen as one of the most important books of our time. It’s far-reaching, fascinating, and flawlessly truthful, with a message so unexpected that most readers will experience a tsunami of realization mixed with shock. It will change some of us and redirect others, and once you’ve read it, it will stay with you for life. Its truths cannot be ignored and are impossible to forget.” Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author, The Hidden Life of Dogs and The Hidden Life of Life
“When was the last time you read a book that has a fresh idea or insight on almost every page? Joseph Jordania’s questioning and creative mind is well suited to describing the contributions made by passionate developers of new knowledge who in their time were considered outsiders, or mavericks, if they were considered at all. Jordania’s own unorthodox observations will move the reader to think ‹Hmm, That makes sense!›” Ellen Dissanayake, Author, What Is Art For? and Homo Aestheticus
“A dazzling, inspirational tour de force. Joseph Jordania exceeds his goal of presenting the human dynamics of scientific discovery sketched by Popper, Kuhn, and Feyerabend. Not content to identify the malignant, pervasive barriers to the advancement of science, he provides an insightful, comprehensive guide to overcoming institutionalized resistance that will put heart into aspiring scholars, scientists, and seekers and challenge the gatekeepers and systems that hold back innovation.” Jenny Wade, author, Changes of Mind: A Holonomic Theory of the Evolution of Consciousness and Transcendent Sex: When Lovemaking Opens the Veil
The Human Story Behind Scientific Discovery, 2020
The book by Joseph Jordania, award-winning ethnomusicologist and evolutionary musicologist from t... more The book by Joseph Jordania, award-winning ethnomusicologist and evolutionary musicologist from the University of Melbourne addresses questions usually neglected in works dedicated to the history of science. How is the existing system of education shaping future scholars? How do the politics of grants and funding science affect scholarly development? Why were some of the brightest figures of scientific progress not academically educated? How do universities influence scientific progress? How does the peer-review process advance or depress scientific discovery? Jordania tackles the thorny issues of scholarly integrity, reputation, and corruption. These topics fundamentally affect the everyday lives of thousands of scholars, both professional and non-professional, and have a profound influence on the advancement of science.
Scholars about the book: “The Human Story Behind Scientific Discovery will be seen as one of the most important books of our time. It’s far-reaching, fascinating, and flawlessly truthful, with a message so unexpected that most readers will experience a tsunami of realization mixed with shock. It will change some of us and redirect others, and once you’ve read it, it will stay with you for life. Its truths cannot be ignored and are impossible to forget.” Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, author, The Hidden Life of Dogs and The Hidden Life of Life
“When was the last time you read a book that has a fresh idea or insight on almost every page? Joseph Jordania’s questioning and creative mind is well suited to describing the contributions made by passionate developers of new knowledge who in their time were considered outsiders, or mavericks, if they were considered at all. Jordania’s own unorthodox observations will move the reader to think ‹Hmm, That makes sense!›” Ellen Dissanayake, Author, What Is Art For? and Homo Aestheticus
“A dazzling, inspirational tour de force. Joseph Jordania exceeds his goal of presenting the human dynamics of scientific discovery sketched by Popper, Kuhn, and Feyerabend. Not content to identify the malignant, pervasive barriers to the advancement of science, he provides an insightful, comprehensive guide to overcoming institutionalized resistance that will put heart into aspiring scholars, scientists, and seekers and challenge the gatekeepers and systems that hold back innovation.” Jenny Wade, author, Changes of Mind: A Holonomic Theory of the Evolution of Consciousness and Transcendent Sex: When Lovemaking Opens the Veil
TIGERS, LIONS, AND HUMANS: HISTORY OF RIVALRY, CONFLICT, REVERENCE AND LOVE, 2014
This is a book dedicated to the neglected topic of human evolution - the defense system of our di... more This is a book dedicated to the neglected topic of human evolution - the defense system of our distant ancestors. The central argument is that the evolutionary competition between the human ancestors and the ancestors of the big cats in Africa was the crucial factor behind the evolution of our morphology, behavior, religions, and culture.
Defense Strategies in Early Human Evolution, 2024
How did our distant ancestors defend themselves from lethal African predators after they moved fr... more How did our distant ancestors defend themselves from lethal African predators after they moved from the trees to the ground and started sleeping in the open?
Strangely, this important question of human evolutionary history has been largely ignored by scholars. For Charles Darwin, humans did not need to defend themselves from predators, as they evolved via sexual selection in a predator-free environment; For Raymond Dart human ancestors were ruthless killers and cannibals, the apex predators of their entire environment, so the need for a defense from predators seemed irrelevant; Charles Brain proposed that, on the contrary, our ancestors were weak prey species, vulnerable to a large number of predators in Africa. Contemporary scholars mostly argue over two paradigms: (1) our ancestors were big game hunter-gatherers (partly modified Dart’s “Killer Ape” hypothesis), and (2) our ancestors were fearless aggressive scavengers (this idea was developed within the “new archaeology” paradigm of the 1980s, but the questions like how our ancestors managed to take kill away from powerful African predators and sleep on the ground at night, still remain open).
On June 23-26, 2023, an international muti-disciplinary conference “Defense Strategies in Early Human Evolution” took place at the Jim Corbett International Research Centre at the Grigol Robakidze University, Tbilisi, Georgia. The conference brought together behavioural ecologists, primatologists, biologists, cognitivists, philosophers, evolutionary musicologists, and conservationists, who were discussing various issues of this vast topic. The book that you hold in your hands is the result of this meeting.